Going Back to School? How to Help Your Child Understand

The decision to go back to school as a parent can be a very big one. Completing your degree is a cause for celebration, but there can be much less flexibility, as being a parent is a full-time job. Plenty have been able to pull it off, but it requires a good deal of planning and communication. This is how you can help your child understand what's going on.

Talk with Other Moms

This might be a new experience for you, but there are plenty of moms who have pulled off being a student and being a parent. It's increasingly common for mothers to return to school to pursue their educational aspirations when they determine that the time is right. This means that there are many women who are in a similar situation or have been in a similar situation. Network with these moms and get their takes. If you have a part-time or full-time job, talk with other working moms. They should let you know about how they're able to take care of all their responsibilities. Having a support group of other moms can really help.

Be Positive

If you're going into this with a pessimistic outlook, it's going to transfer to your child. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. Focus on the good that'll come from going back to school. When you're feeling stressed, remember what goal you're working towards. Talk to your child about this change in positive terms. Children are like emotional sponges, and the better you feel, the better they'll feel.

Let Them Express Themselves

Your child is likely to have all kinds of emotions about this, and they might not know how exactly to express them. To help, you should let them candidly tell you about how they're feeling. If they seem shy or reluctant to speak up, make sure they know that they're free to express themselves. They should also feel open to ask you questions about what going back to school will be like.

Give Them a Customized Storybook

Sometimes a bit of creativity can make an unfamiliar situation easier to deal with. A customized storybook centered around your child (make sure to refer to them by name and include a photo) can help them to better accept this new scenario. Make sure the story gives equal attention to you and them. It can help to present complex concepts in a way they can more easily understand. The initial adjustment of you going back to school may be difficult for your child. You need to make sure that you're keeping their feelings in mind while also working on your own goals. As they grow up, they will be proud of you for just how much determination and perseverance you exhibited.